Deep River

Historical Society

Preserving and Celebrating our Legacy

Please note our website is currently being worked on. More pages and content will be coming soon.

Upcoming Events

Coming Soon

The Lost Swords of the Greet White Fleet

Opens, Sunday, June 2, 2-4 PM

In 1906, President Teddy Roosevelt launched the the US Navy’s Great White Fleet on an eighteen-month world tour. One of the officers collected dozens of swords along the way. Fifty years later they ended up in a sea-chest hidden in the attic of the Historical Society’s Stone House. But they have not seen the light of day, until now!

 

DRHS Annual Strawberry Social

Sunday, June 9, 1-3:30  PM

Join your neighbors and enjoy this traditional community event and help support our mission.

Who We Are

Three museums in one…

Deep River Historical Society
1. Our Buildings

The Stone House was built in 1841 from locally-quarried stone. Three generations of the Southworth family called the Stone House their home, where we now display some of their original furnishings as well as donations resonant of that period. The property, which was bequeathed to us from Ada Southworth Munson in 1946, also includes a Carriage House (available for event rentals), a Bleach House from the days of ivory manufacturing, and extensive grounds.

2. Our Collections

In addition to the Southworth bequest of a furnished home, the Deep River Historical Society curates our community’s history through artifacts, documents, maps, diaries, letters, art, and much more. Our rotating exhibits have recently highlighted Deep River’s centuries of industry from wharf to waterfall, contributions to women’s suffrage and activism, and the sacrifices of the men and women of Deep River during World War II. And we are planning more!

3. Our Programs

We provide Deep River with a lively roster of events, including period teas, the strawberry social, antique car shows, and the holiday Festival of Trees, along with year-round, though-provoking talks by authors and residents about local history and its colorful personalities. 

Memberships

Access all exhibitions & program updates

Membership includes a subscription to the Society’s newsletter and free admission to exhibits.

Become a Member

Please note, this society is an independent charitable organization. It receives no town or state funding. Any contribution above basic membership is tax deductible, and is most appreciated.

News & Articles

Radical Women, The Suffragists, 2023

Radical Women, The Suffragists, 2023

At the Deep River Town Hall TheatreSaturday, Oct. 21, and Sunday, Oct. 22 at 2:00 pmTalkback immediately following each show. Radical Women, The SuffragistsA New Musical by Patty CarverDirected by Jerry GoehringMusic by Leo Carusone, Patty Carver, & Andrew...

Killingworth Quilt and Fiber Arts Show, 2023

Killingworth Quilt and Fiber Arts Show, 2023

Deep River Historical Society is participating in the Killingworth Quilt and Fiber Arts Show at the Parmalee Farm on September 23 and 24th Four of our historic quilts will be on display. The Killingworth Historical Society will host a Quilt and Fiber Art Show on...

Jason Scappaticci on The Connecticut Witch Trials 2023

Jason Scappaticci on The Connecticut Witch Trials 2023

 Monday, October 30th, 7 PM, The Carriage House There are few people who know witch trials even took place outside of Salem. However, Connecticut led the way in the prosecution and execution of witches almost 50 years before the Salem Witch Trials began. Learn more...

Deep River Day is Farm Day at the Deep River Historical Society!

Deep River Day is Farm Day at the Deep River Historical Society!

 Saturday, September 16th; 10 AM to 2 PM The Carriage House Annex has gotten a facelift! We are opening the Carriage House and the Annex on Deep River Day for a display of rarely viewed items from our farm collection. Did you know that Lozzelle Platt grew tobacco in...

Jennie Smith Floyd 1857-1934 An Open Book with A Missing Chapter

Jennie Smith Floyd 1857-1934 An Open Book with A Missing Chapter

Jennie Smith Floyd was one of Deep River's most respectable and reliable citizens, a tireless worker for her adopted family, for their businesses, and for the Baptist Church. In those respects, her life was an open book, but little is known about her life-book's open...

Commemorating Memorial Day 2023

Commemorating Memorial Day 2023

The Eagle Monument is 100 years old. It was placed on the “Library” green on Memorial Day 1923 to honor the 112 World War I Veterans and veterans from past wars. The cost ($1,800) was raised through a door-to-door campaign across our community. The Eagle was cast in...